Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,080 in Oregon versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Oregon runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,900 in Oregon and $83,857 in Washington — about 14% higher in Washington. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
None
6.5%
+6.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
9.90%
None
+9.9 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,080
$1,332
+23% in Washington
Median Home Value
$435,400
$454,600
+4% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,900
$83,857
+17% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.0°F
52.1°F
+0.9°F in Oregon
Oregon vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or Washington?
- Oregon is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,080 runs about 19% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Oregon than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $43,000 a year in Oregon versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Oregon or Washington?
- Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Oregon/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.